For Host Organizations

Thank you for your interest in the Wake Forest Carolina Externship Summer Program. Your participation is vital in making this learning experience–and the next generation of lawyers–a success. The externship generally begins during the last week of May and lasts at least 5 weeks. However, program dates are flexible, and the externship can be extended upon agreement between student and host.

Hosting a conscientious, motivated student for the summer through the program has a number of benefits:

Provides resources for special projects and short-term needs during the summer

Students receive classroom training and academic credit during the summer, enhancing their ability to contribute to your organization

Assists the School of Law in creating the best-prepared lawyers in the country

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become a host?

The process for becoming a host is simple: Complete the Host Interest Form. 2. Contact the Director of the Externship, Elizabeth Goodwin, if you have additional questions at goodwime@wfu.edu.

Am I expected to compensate the student in any way?

As a graded course, students who participate cannot be compensated for their work.

What are the program dates? How long does the externship placement last?

The Summer 2017 session runs from May 23-June 23, 2017. If hosting an extern, we ask that the minimum placement is this 5-week period. However, externs can continue at the host organization for up to 5 additional weeks if both parties agree to do so.

What’s an “externship” and how does it differ from an internship?

At Wake Forest School of Law, an externship is a dual-component experiential learning opportunity consisting of both practicum and academic components. In the practicum component, students are placed in general counsel, legal or judicial offices, and gain hands-on experience in the day-to-day activities of law practice. The academic component consists of a weekly seminar and biweekly professor-student meetings, where students learn about issues related to their host organizations’ sector and analyze issues they encounter in the practicum portion of the program. Internships, by contrast, usually do not have academic components or credits, and students are generally compensated.

Do I get to interview students in your program prior to placement?

Host organizations and firms will have the opportunity to interview our students prior to placement.

What types of organizations participate?

The vast majority of our placements are with general counsel offices in medium and large companies, including several in the Fortune 500. However, we have also placed students with large and small law firms and specialty firms. Typical companies include those in manufacturing, retail, transportation, and finance.